The Hall of Fame went to Josef Chromy – with a most wonderful rags to riches life story. Joe spent 11 years in Czechoslovakia in his early years but decided at 19 there was no future in that country after having lived under both Nazi and Soviet communist rule. He escaped across borders guarded by minefields, dogs and soldiers, suffering five months of privation before immigrating to Australia. Over the next 40 years he used his skills as a Master Butcher and Smallgoods Maker to build his business, Blue Ribbon Meat Products, into one of Tasmania’s leading brands.

In 1993 Blue Ribbon was floated on the Australian Stock Exchange, and Josef used the money to invest in Tasmania’s fledgling wine industry. Since then Josef has owned and developed some of Tasmania’s leading wineries, including Rochecombe (now “Bay of Fires”), Jansz/Heemskerk, Tamar Ridge Wines, and ultimately Josef Chromy Wines. Josef Chromy Wines has received many awards the most recent being 2 trophies at two of the biggest global wine competitions announced at the London International Wine Fair in May this year - the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards- Regional Chardonnay Trophy and the 2013 International Wine Challenge - Tasmanian Chardonnay Trophy both for the 2011 Josef Chromy Chardonnay. Joe's vision is evident from the quality of the architecture of the Josef Chromy Winery and Cellar Door through to the quality of the wines and service. Congratulations went to a man who contributed so much to Tasmania!

VISITUS

CONTACTUS

WARNING: Under the Liquor Licensing Act 1990 it is an offence a) for liquor to be delivered to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty: $3,140 fine); and b) for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase liquor (Penalty: $1,570 fine)